Versailles News

Kathy Magoto

January 16, 2014

During the busyness of the season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years when family and friends gather and everyone’s calendars seem to feel like heavy commitment instead of lighthearted socializing I missed one of my favorite movies, Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Although I’ve never purchased the movie my husband did record it for me. Last week I found the time to watch it, from start to finish, and it undoubtedly remains one of my most favorite movies.

The story is about George Bailey who wants to leave the small town he grew up in, go to college and travel the world. However, each time George tried to pursue his dreams something would happen to threaten the town or his dad’s business; the Savings & Loan. George’s life was filled with one unexpected turn after another, until George is faced with a crisis he himself cannot fix. George allows the situation to lead him into despair, arriving to the conclusion that life would be better had he never been born. Upon a bridge George prepares to commit suicide by jumping.

Everyone knows the rest of the story but sometimes we overlook the beginning which includes intercessory prayer, an angel, St. Joseph, and God.

George had been living his life selflessly for others, he unwittingly had been the wind beneath their wings, but when his life became too difficult he selfishly wanted it to be his turn and he plummeted into despair and hopelessness. George resorted to prayer and by the help of an angel, named Clarence his eyes were opened. In retrospect George could see that God was in control and God’s plan created a more rewarding life than he could ever have conceived.

All of us struggle with control issues from time to time. Loneliness, sadness and uncertainty are all emotions that can be abolished when we trust in God’s plan for us. We know we cannot change the weather, but short of that we seem to think we’re in control of our lives and surroundings. Ironically our circumstances have a way of reminding us that we are not in charge of much more than our attitudes.

At one point in the movie George looked at his father’s photo, which hung in his office, for direction. The quote underneath read, “All you can take with you is that which you have given away.” With that in mind here are a few local fundraisers in which you may want participate:

Well of Hope Foundation is collecting shoes which will be shipped to Kenya, Africa to benefit the widows and orphans. Shoes can vary from being old to new. Shoe drop-off locations include; Bread of Life in Greenville, Grace Christian Bookstore in Piqua and Covington Savings & Loan in both Bradford and Covington. Shoes are collected year round.

The Versailles Firefighter’s Dance will be held Saturday at the Versailles K of C Hall. Music by Grove Hill, cash bar, doors open at 9 p.m. with a $5 donation at the door. Raffle tickets are also being sold, for more information contact Chad at 937-526-3893.

Sun., Jan. 26 the Eagle Breakfast will benefit the Tiger Bowlers. Breakfast is from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. There will also be a raffle held by the young bowlers. The winner can choose between a 42-inch flat screen television or an ipad.

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. ~Lao Tzo

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at magmon1@embarqmail.com or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in these opinion pieces are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.